Kiawah Island travel guide

Kiawah Island Tourism | Kiawah Island Guide

You're Going to Love Kiawah Island

With a population of 1,749, Kiawah Island is a must-see destination in South Carolina, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Kiawah Island has to offer.

When to visit Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island in January
Estimated hotel price
$275
1 night at 3-star hotel
Kiawah Island in January
Estimated hotel price
$275
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Kiawah Island

Plane

Although Kiawah Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Charleston Municipal Airport (CHS), which is located 20 miles from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, ITA Airways, JetBlue and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Kiawah Island. The train journey from Kiawah Island to Richmond takes 7h 11m and costs around $72 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Winter Park, expect to pay about $58 for a 7h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Kiawah Island is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 186 miles from Kiawah Island. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Easirent, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

FlixBus operates bus routes to Kiawah Island. From North Miami Beach, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 880 miles and will cost you around $162. From New York, the ticket costs about $244 for a journey of 1030 miles.

Plane

Although Kiawah Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Charleston Municipal Airport (CHS), which is located 20 miles from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, ITA Airways, JetBlue and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Kiawah Island. The train journey from Kiawah Island to Richmond takes 7h 11m and costs around $72 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Winter Park, expect to pay about $58 for a 7h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Kiawah Island is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 186 miles from Kiawah Island. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Easirent, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

FlixBus operates bus routes to Kiawah Island. From North Miami Beach, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 880 miles and will cost you around $162. From New York, the ticket costs about $244 for a journey of 1030 miles.

Airports near Kiawah Island

Airlines serving Kiawah Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,675 reviews)
KLM
Good (854 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,530 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,623 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,306 reviews)
Air France
Good (985 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (483 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,961 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,123 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,474 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,845 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (873 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,174 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (924 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,645 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (717 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,606 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,544 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Kiawah Island

Average rates range from around $448 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $566 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kiawah Island

Most booked hotels in Kiawah Island

Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 126 reviews)
$415+
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Villas
4 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$439+
The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort
5 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$763+

Renting a car in Kiawah Island

Renting a car in Kiawah Island costs $105 per day, on average, or $314 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 21% more expensive than at Charleston.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Kiawah Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiawah Island, while also 48% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Kiawah Island costs $105 per day, on average, or $314 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 21% more expensive than at Charleston.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Kiawah Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiawah Island, while also 48% cheaper than other types, on average.